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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What effect does the failure of medicines to act quickly have on the depressed person?
(a) They get better even though the medicines don't work.
(b) It keeps them in a state of anxiety and hopelessness.
(c) They give up and do something different.
(d) Many of them commit suicide.

2. Which novel character does Styron compare himself with?
(a) Emma Bovary from "Madame Bovary."
(b) Lennie from "Of Mice and Men."
(c) Captain Ahab from "Moby Dick."
(d) Rhett Butler from "Gone With the Wind."

3. How does Styron mange to avoid the recommended shock treatment?
(a) His doctor doesn't believe in it.
(b) He refuses to let them do it.
(c) He pretends that he had already had it.
(d) He begins to get better immediately.

4. What is Styron's diary a symbol of?
(a) His writing goals.
(b) His hopelessness in the face of depression.
(c) His self-esteem and self-worth.
(d) His path through depression.

5. What two things does Styron believe led to his depression?
(a) His mother's death and a hereditary factor through his father.
(b) His wife's infidelity and the loss of his job.
(c) Chemical dependence and illness.
(d) His physical illness and his anxiety.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Styron, what is the touchstone of depression?

2. Why does Styron say he was betrayed the summer before he was hospitalized?

3. What is Styron's avoidance of death due to?

4. Why does he throw his diary in the garbage instead of burning it?

5. Styron compares the theories about depression to the theories about what?

(see the answer keys)

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